American Hebrew Academy

There is a wonderful school in America located in central North Carolina (Greensboro) called the American Hebrew Academy. I have been extremely impressed with the infrastructure, staff and students at this school and have been a strong advocate for it's Mission. Our magazine (Sports Carolina) displayed a feature story on the school and it's athletics programs. There was an ACC Seniors All-Star basketball game held at their basketball arena that was a complete sell out. What a lovely facility for the athletic programs to be held. The grades are from 9th to 12th (high school) The current enrollment is 135 and they have 80 % in-boarding and 20 % out-boarding. The school is represented by 26 states and 8 foreign countries. The school is located on a 100 acre park like campus with a 22 acre lake. There is 24 hour around the clock security and the school is only 90 miles from the city of Charlotte, 58 miles from the Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill and 70 miles from the capital city of Raleigh. Teams & Schedules Varsity SportsCross Country (boys and girls)Soccer (boys)Volleyball (girls)Baseball (boys)Soccer (girls)Track & Field (boys and girls)Basketball (boys)Basketball (girls)Swimming (boys and girls) Intramural and Club Sports Racquetball Tennis Softball Golf Touch Football Ultimate Frisbee Yoga Aerobic and Weight Training Boating Karate Rock Climbing Get fit for life. There's much more to the athletics story at the American Hebrew Academy than just team sports, but that's a good place to start. For a small school, there's a big selection. We offer many different interscholastic sports teams. Most of our students try out for a team: baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross-country, soccer, softball*, swimming, tennis*, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling* are currently offered. Naturally, your coaches know you as a person -- many are also your teachers and advisors. Get involved. We have facilities on campus that allow students every opportunity to get in shape and have a great time doing it. Our 88,000 square foot Athletic Center is always busy with a competition-sized eight lane pool, basketball courts, rock climbing walls, a wrestling room, cardiovascular equipment and a variety of exercise equipment. All of our sports fields have outdoor lighting and are professionally maintained. We also have our boathouse that sits on the shore of our 22-acre lake. All of this allows us to offer a variety of options outside of interscholastic sports, such as aerobic and anaerobic training, boating/fishing, golf, karate/self defense, lacrosse, racquetball, rock climbing, softball, swing dancing, tennis, touch football, ultimate frisbee, weight training, and yoga. Break a sweat. When it comes to athletics, here's our philosophy: getting fit and staying fit is a way of life. Whether you're a standout athlete or just enjoy a healthy jog or an intense workout, we're here to support you. Go to...www.americanhebrewacademy.com for more information.

Maccabe-Rishon...A Team To Remember...

When first trying to describe my experience with the Maccabe-Rishon family, one can only say that it was magical, fantastic and moving. Coming to Israel was not a quest that I had envisioned nor had in my plans for my basketball career. After having a successful stint in Montpelier-France, I truly had planned on going back to the United States, to finish the basket and be with my family and maybe, try for the NBA once more. Then I met Isaac Peri, a man with a passion so strong for the Maccabe-Rishon basketball organization and the city. I was overwhelmed with his enthusiasm and dreams of the future of the club. Then the strangest thing happened...the player that I had just finished playing with in France (Andre Spencer) had already signed a contract with this particular club and to find him here and having the opportunity to play once more with such a talented ball player again, was a no-brainer. With the llikes of Israeli basketball legends Mickey Berkowitz and Haim Zlatikman also being on this team, it was a question through out Israel how good can this team be? Who would have thought, that a team with a little Yemanite point guard, would make waves and thunder throughout the global world. With Israeli-American Korky Nelson being the air craft carrier and Max Blank, being the anticipated power forward, the league had no fear in thinking that this team of misfits, would make the whole league take notice and fear its power and agression. The future,was with the young Tomer and the glue to the team with the old master Morti Aresti. This team displayed basketball play at the finest level ever shown in Israel. As the season began, it was clear that Maccabe-Rishon was going to get their respect one way or another....by fighting game in and game out against the least and the best (Maccabe-tel Aviv) Coach by the never shaken Moshe Vinekroff, people all over Israel, began to believe that there was something special about this team and it's manner and passion. With the support of Raffi, Yarum, Shlomo and Elimelach Heller behind the scenes making sure that all was in order for the players, staff and team, The city of Rishon Le zion came alive and was proud of this team and showed it at all games home and away. With the kid Spencer flying and portraying himself like Jordan, Mickey playing like he was 20 years younger, Haim confusing defenses that couldn't stop him and me, Geno Banks, being the cagy veteran finding every way to win, the season in 1990-91 was one that many Israeli's, young and old could only dream about but we LIVED it and made it so. Even Bousani (the little Yemanite) became feared for his deadly point range 3 pointers and Kory Nelson for his strength and knowledge in the paint...this team wasn't going to be denied and they weren't. Only the powerful money supported Maccabe-Tel Aviv, was able to hinder this Rishon train, from becoming the greatest team ever in the basketball history of Israel. Israel is a great country and the year of 1990-91 was a year that Rishon made the country stand still, ponder and appreciate teamwork at it's best. Not even the great team of Maccabe-Tel Aviv recieved the highest respect during that year because they were SUPPOSE to win, by the standards that had been placed on them and the tons of dollars (shekels) that were spent. All Maccabe-Rishon had was heart, guts, passion and the spirit, to be winners...and nothing would deny them that right once they were on the court playing together...as a team.

About Geno Banks...

About Me Geno Banks Greensboro, North Carolina, US Graduate of Duke University (B.A. History) Was the graduation speaker at Duke University. Former NBA player drafted 28th overall by the San Antonio Spurs 1981-85. Traded to the Chicago Bulls 1985-87. Was the number 1 high school player in America in 1977. Resurrected the Duke basketball program to the NCAA championship game his first year as a Freshmen and won 2 ACC championship titles. Was the ACC Rookie-of-the-year, ACC Scoring champion his senior year, NCAA All-American 2 times.In a class with Art Heyman and Sheldon Williams as the only Duke Players to record a triple-double in a game, while in a uniform for the BlueDevils. Inducted into the celebrated Duke Sports Hall of Fame and inducted onto the Duke Wall of Honors at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

My Love is Always With You Israel Basket...

My Love Is Always With You Israel Basket... It is with great pleasure, that I am able to share, express and communicate with my Israeli and global brothers. I have been blessed to have had the experience to have played in Israel and against great players such as ...Darom Jamchi, Lavon Mercer, Earl Williams and played with Mickey Berkowitz, Haim Zlatikman and Amir Katz. Words cannot express my joy in the seasons I had with Maccabe-Rishon AND Hapoel Herzelia. Those years were magical and fulfilling and they will forever in my athletic career, rank up there with winning ACC Championships, NCAA titles and playing with George "Iceman" Gervin, Charles Oakley, John Paxson, Artis Gilmore, Mike Mitchell and the the greatest "Michael Jordan". The friends are many in Israel and I miss everyone of them, Joey Eaves, Edna, Roni Busoni, Limor, Muli Katzuen, Rotem, Eli Melich and Hedva, Perri Isacc and many that I have not enough space to mention but still love. I have been very busy with so many projects...making movies, coaching, athletic director in the NCAA, developing basketball leagues, big men clinics, national motivational speaker and broadcasting sports. I have just recently developed a new sports magazine (Sports Carolina Magazine) which is being revamp and redeveloped to be more global. Being that my lovely wife Isabelle past away in 1997, I have been a father first to my daughters- India and Bianca, who both are in the University and both played basketball, while in high school. I am presently residing in Greensboro, North Carolina and venture to many of my alma maters games (Duke University) where they always roll out the red carpet treatment to me and my family today. I would love to talk, share and reconnect with the many friends that I made in Israel and wish each and every one, the best in this year of 2007. I love you all Israel and miss you dearly.